Grant Thornton LLP and the Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD) partner to<br>collaborate on corporate governance and risk management

TORONTO, Feb. 1 /CNW/ - Grant Thornton LLP and the ICD are strengthening their commitment to good governance through a recent collaboration between the prominent Canadian accounting and advisory firm and Canada's only member-based professional association for directors and boards.

"Our partnership with the ICD is an exciting opportunity to collaborate in the area of corporate governance and risk management," says Bill Brushett, National Client Services Partner for Grant Thornton LLP. "Our experience in advising directors and playing a leadership role in the development of best practices represents significant contributions to the Canadian business landscape, and we look forward to working with the ICD to support their mission and vision."

This collaboration will enable the two organizations to support each other in providing Canada's directors with professional development opportunities, cutting-edge insights on governance and risk management, and a national network of governance professionals dedicated to building better boards.

"We are extremely pleased to have the support of Grant Thornton in achieving our goals of fostering excellence in directors and strengthening the governance and performance of Canadian organizations," says Beverly Topping, ICD.D, President and CEO of the ICD. "Grant Thornton practitioners continue to distinguish themselves through their insights on important issues facing today's boards and directors including risk management, International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and mergers and acquisitions."

About Grant Thornton in Canada

Grant Thornton LLP is a leading Canadian accounting and advisory firm providing audit, tax and advisory services to private and public organizations. Together with the Quebec firm Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton LLP, Grant Thornton in Canada has more than 3,100 people in offices across Canada. Grant Thornton LLP is a Canadian member of Grant Thornton International Ltd, whose member and correspondent firms operate in over 100 countries worldwide.

About the Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD)

The ICD is a not-for-profit, member-based professional association representing Canadian directors and boards across the for-profit, not-for-profit, and government sectors. With more than 3,300 members and a network of nine chapters, the ICD promotes the professionalism and effectiveness of directors by providing professional development activities including director education and certification, and information and resources including a board placement service and networking opportunities.

For further information: Carolyn Thrasher, Institute of Corporate Directors, T [phone] ext. 229, F [phone], E [email protected]; Susi Tarleton, Grant Thornton LLP, T [phone], F [phone], E [email protected]